Vietnam: Bread shop faces sanctions after 124 hospitalized in suspected food poisoning outbreak

Health authorities in Gia Lai province, Vietnam, are taking action following a suspected food poisoning incident that led to the hospitalization of 124 individuals. The outbreak has been linked to the Lam Huyen bread shop located in Quy Nhon Dong ward.

Patients began experiencing symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, acute diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, fever, and headaches shortly after consuming bread purchased from the Lam Huyen establishment on May 22. A total of 124 patients were admitted to various medical facilities, including Gia Lai Provincial General Hospital and several other local health centers.

Subsequent inspections by a joint interdisciplinary team revealed multiple violations at the Lam Huyen bread shop. These included operating without a valid food safety certificate, food handlers lacking required safety training, inadequate traceability of food ingredients, unsanitary conditions for food preparation and storage, and the presence of pests. Furthermore, tests on food samples indicated that "giò thủ" (a type of Vietnamese meatloaf) exceeded permissible levels for total aerobic microbial counts, failing to meet food safety standards.

Based on the investigation and testing results, the provincial Department of Health has concluded that the outbreak is likely linked to the bread products from this establishment. The department announced that administrative sanctions will be imposed on the Lam Huyen business for the identified violations, aiming to prevent future occurrences and ensure public health.